The American Forces Radio and Television service touched a lot of people. Whether talent, support or listeners it touched a lot of us in ways that stateside media could only dream of. This website is unofficial and does not imply any endorsement from AFRTS, the Department of Defense or the United States government.
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Thom Whetston

From 1972-97 I was a radio announcer, mostly in the Northeast. I had the most fun with Armed Forces Radio first in Korea then in Panama. A lot of the time it was spontaneous or improvised and that made for a great learning laboratory. The network DJs, Charlie Tuna, Wolfman, Kris Erik Stevens, Jim Pewter, LaRita Shelby and the rest were so consistent, it was and amazing thing to hear. Then to Massachusetts and WEIM, WKNE, WKBK, WFGL, WMDK, WKBR, WCGY, WSRS, WGAW. Most of them don't exist as anything that resembles a radio station. I'm always ready to trade war stories... Thom Whetston afrts@live.com 612-356-AFRS (612)356-2377

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

In 1967, the biggest show was "A Date With Chris". Chris Noel brought a helping of home every day. She still does way more than her share with her veterans shelter in Florida. Please do what you can to help. Click here.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

In WWII AFRS did a series of shows called "Personal Album", these were 15 minutes of minutes with a popular star, usually with the star talking about their music and lives. Today a visit with Kate Smith and Ted Collins.

Roland's back with another visit to the Creator's Workshop for the USAF. These were the shows that Roger Carroll's company at Watermark, heard at stations across the United States and around the world. Thanks Mark!!!

If you have a bunch of AFRTS disks in storage somewhere, we'd really love the chance to be able to share them with others. Many times those memories just end up packed away. I could tell you stories... If you'd like to share them with folks just like us who'd appreciate it, contact me. afrts@live.com or let me know on the "Hit Line"612-356-2377. Thanks!

Back to early AOR. In 1971 it was being done by a handful of stations, usually bigger markets, usually the first time the station made any money. Tony Pigg was in that first group that made it happen. Tony brought "Love" to AFRTS.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

So you're halfway around the world, doing something that you'd rather not do. Memories can be very very special. Jim Pewter brought the memories for three decades. I'd hear a lot things that I had forgotten. We went to different schools together.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

I had posted this on the Facebook afrtsarchive page (click here) Someone, not me has posted Chickenman. The White Winged Warrior was even broadcast in Afghanistan during the early part of the war. He's an all time hero.

In 1943, there were a handful of stations/networks but the whole AFRS thing hadn't come together yet. CBS helped produce "What are We Fighting For". The War Department made sure it was heard worldwide. Edward R Murrow was the journalists journalist and a fascinating story in his own right.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Joe Allison really was country music, starting as a DJ in Texas in 1945. He went on tour hosting Tex Ritter and got Tex to record one of his songs. From there, Nashville radio until going to a station in Pasadena CA. Penning "He'll Have To Go". Later to run the country department of Dot Records. Starting in the mid 60s Joe was recording the Country Corner for AFRTS.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Robert Q was perfect for his times. In 1958 radio was in a transitional period and he was on CBS. AFRTS ran it worldwide.

John Miller thought Bob Crewe was singing on this:

I am Bob's brother Dan and after listening to the recording I can say without any doubt that it is he. Although I am not familiar with this event, I know Bob was by 1957 very active in promoting his singing career. Although he did have some success as a performer he changed direction and focused on song writing and record production. I joined him in 1962 and together we had a great run with artists such as the Four Seasons, Mitch Ryder etc. Bob passed away September 11,2014 here in Maine where he was in a medical nursing home. Thank you for this forgotten event. By the way, I know Bob and Robert Q. enjoyed a long friendship.

Monday, September 7, 2015

So how on earth do you date these? We were running the Whistler well into the 1980s. It wasn't so much "Old Time Radio" as an interesting story on the radio. This is a 1961 reissue of a 1950 broadcast. "The Chinese Elephant Puzzle" is the story of a wooden puzzle filled with diamonds, an elusive prize.

I really wish I had the chance to see McCadden place in it's glory. In 1979 Cherie McQueen was there:

I was on two days worth of his program from October 1979, and maybe into November 1979. My visit home to the L.A. area took me to the McCadden Place AFRTS studios, where I was asked to appear on the shows with Roger. I was stationed at SEN/SEB Vicenza, Italy at the time

It would have been incredible to be there while these were being done.

I will go through what I have, must have been special. Here is Roger from 1979.